JAMMU: Minister for Health & Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, on Thursday chaired a multi-departmental review meeting at the Civil Secretariat to assess preparations for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026, Muharram observances, monsoon preparedness and delivery of essential public services across Jammu.
The meeting reviewed medical and allied arrangements for the annual pilgrimage, including deployment of healthcare personnel, availability of medical facilities, transportation logistics, sanitation, drinking water supply and electricity at transit camps and other key locations.
The Minister directed the Health Department and district administrations to ensure round-the-clock availability of medical staff, adequate stocks of medicines and deployment of ambulances at all Yatra transit camps. She also instructed the Power Development Department (PDD) and Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department to ensure uninterrupted electricity and potable water supply.
Reviewing Muharram preparations, Sakeena Itoo stressed the need for seamless coordination among departments to ensure the availability of all essential civic amenities. She directed officials to work closely with local committees and implement arrangements in accordance with directions issued by the Chief Minister.
The Minister instructed the authorities of Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, to maintain adequate stocks of medical equipment and essential drugs. She also reviewed plans for deployment of additional ambulances in remote and monsoon-prone areas that may face connectivity challenges during the rainy season.
Emphasising preventive healthcare, she directed the Health Department to ensure 100 per cent coverage during the Intensified Pulse Polio Immunisation programme scheduled on June 28 and launch extensive awareness campaigns to maximise public participation.
Taking stock of monsoon preparedness, the Minister directed the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department, Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) Department and Public Health Engineering Department to expedite repairs to flood-damaged infrastructure and complete desilting of nallahs and drainage channels.
The Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) and Jammu Development Authority (JDA) were asked to intensify sanitation drives, fumigation measures and scientific waste disposal to prevent waterlogging and reduce the risk of seasonal diseases.
Reviewing public utility services, Sakeena Itoo directed the Power Development Department to adhere to notified power supply schedules, decongest overhead electrical infrastructure and reduce transformer repair time to less than 24 hours. The Public Health Engineering Department was asked to ensure potable tap water supply to all habitations and arrange tanker services in areas where pipeline infrastructure is yet to be completed.
On the education sector, the Minister directed the School Education and Higher Education Departments to complete admissions in a time-bound manner and commence academic sessions without delay. She emphasised promotion of research-oriented education with a focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), enhancement of enrolment in government schools and speedy completion of infrastructure projects under Samagra Shiksha.
Reviewing transport and market regulation, she directed the Transport Department to strictly enforce notified fare structures, curb rash driving and improve public transport services in far-flung areas. The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department was instructed to conduct regular market inspections to ensure quality standards, display of rate lists and maintenance of adequate stocks of ration and LPG.
Stressing the importance of coordinated governance, the Minister called for close inter-departmental collaboration and timely execution of assigned responsibilities. She directed all departments to submit Action Taken Reports (ATRs) before the next review meeting.
Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration, J&K, briefed the meeting on measures being undertaken to facilitate pilgrims during the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, while the Director Colleges informed the Minister about the status of admissions and academic programmes being offered in government colleges.
The meeting was attended by the Managing Director, JPDCL, heads of departments and senior officers from Health, Education, Power Development, Public Health Engineering, Information, Industries and Commerce, Roads and Buildings, Jammu Municipal Corporation, Jammu Development Authority, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Agriculture, Tourism, Social Welfare and other departments. Officers posted outside Jammu participated through virtual mode.
